Postgraduate Certificate

Family Therapeutic Skills

Validated by Middlesex University

Family life in Ireland has changed dramatically over the last 30 years, consequently there is a growing demand for sufficiently skilled counselling and psychotherapy professionals who are equipped to work therapeutically with families struggling with a range of issues from relationship breakdown, child protection and custody concerns, to loved ones with complex mental health difficulties or in the throes of addiction. Many counsellors and psychotherapists currently working with families and family-related issues are experiencing a deficit in the skills and knowledge required to support effective therapeutic outcomes and many family resources hubs throughout Ireland would benefit greatly from expertly trained professionals with sufficient expertise to work with family related issues. Validated by Middlesex University, this lively, creative and experiential program strives to create open, safe and respectful spaces in which a variety of modalities are explored, and skills competence achieved. The program will engage each learner in the ongoing dynamic process of demonstrating humility, openness and courage for connecting with each other and their clients throughout this programme and into clinical practice. It aims to enhance therapeutic care within diverse families and communities through the acquisition of key clinical skills, as well as tend to the therapist’s personal growth and reflective development.

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

This exciting new program aims to furnish existing counselling and psychotherapy practitioners with the skills and knowledge required to expand their existing repertoire and develop the expertise used by systemic family therapists working with children, adults and couples. This Postgraduate certificate is an essential stepping stone for candidates who wish to complete the two-year Master's program.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DOING THIS COURSE?

Therapists who are working therapeutically with clients on a one to one basis will develop a new skills set and the opportunity to work systemically, where the individual is understood through the contextual lens of their family of origin and current family dynamics. Therapists who are already working with families, couples and young people will benefit greatly from learning about underpinning theories, introductory systemic and EFT skills as well as the opportunity to reflect on their practice and personal development.

This course will create more employment and work opportunities for counsellors and psychotherapist’s working in private, public and voluntary sectors.

*This course will not qualify you to become an accredited Family Therapist

**There are no formal clinical requirements for the PG Certificate in Family Therapeutic Skills, however, we strongly advocate students be in personal therapy, ideally with Systemic or Family Therapist.

Students who intend to progress to the Master's programme will be required to have at least 50% of their personal therapy hours completed, have contracted with an appropriate supervisor and an undertaking from a placement to provide clients for the duration of the course.

Course Details

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*This programme was developed and is delivered and assessed by PCI College, awarded by and quality assured by Middlesex University. FHEQ (Framework for Higher Education Qualification) is the UK National Framework of Qualifications.

Selection Process: There are a limited number of places available (18). Selection is based on application and interview.

If you have more questions about the course, call us now at 01-464 2268 or add your details to the purple Questions Box above and we'll get back to you shortly.

Please note that this course is a supplementary qualification. On its own, the course won't enable you to work as a counsellor. If you seek a professional qualification as a counsellor, I would advise you to first complete our BSc (Honours) Degree Counselling & Psychotherapy. After completing the degree course, you could then specialise in an area of interest with this postgraduate course.

LEADING TO THE AWARD OF Middlesex University Postgraduate Certificate Family Therapeutic Skills

Assessment: Written and practical assignments

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

The programme aims to equip existing counselling and psychotherapy practitioners and related professionals with Family Therapeutic Skills and provides the opportunity to extend their clinical repertoire to working therapeutically with couples, family groups, young people, organisations and related networks. You will learn a broad range of contemporary family therapy theoretical approaches and skills while also developing a range of personal and professional frameworks and concepts, essential to the application of the above learning to a range of casework.

Fees:

Year 1: €3,670* + Middlesex University Registration Fee €1200**

(€3,150 for PCI College Graduates + MU Registration Fee €1200**)

*Please note that fees include a €20 charge for Garda vetting process which is required prior to course entry.

**Once off fee paid in the first year

Payment Plan:

Pay in 6monthly instalments, through the Monthly Payment Plan. Please note that this plan will operate by Direct Debit only and is inclusive of €100.00 administration fee.

Additional Course Costs:

None, however, we strongly advocate students attend personal therapy, ideally with a Systemic or Family Therapist. Students who intend to progress to the Master's programme will be required to attend personal therapy and supervision during Year 2 and pay the costs associated with these.

Application Process:Applicants are invited to complete and return the online Application Form. Applications must be accompanied by an Initial Deposit of €250, which is deductible from course fees if the application is successful. Applicants are entitled to a full refund of the Initial Deposit if they decide to cancel within 14 days of receipt of their application. Should an application be unsuccessful or cancelled by the applicant following this 14 day period, an administration fee of €60 is charged and the balance of €190 refunded. Please note that the name used on your application needs to be the same name that you have on your passport.

Fees are non-refundable in all personal circumstances. All courses run subject to demand and the formation of a viable class cohort. A full refund will be given to all applicants in the event that the class does not proceed.

Language Requirements:

All candidates are required to satisfy the English language requirement. Candidates whose first language is not English and who are presenting qualifications other than the Leaving Certificate may satisfy the requirement through the completion of the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), or equivalent, on the basis that they obtain a minimum band score of 6, which denotes a very good skill level of English. It should be noted that these are the minimum requirements in English and PCI College may set higher requirements in each case.

Entry Requirements:

Applicants are required to hold a relevant degree (Level 7 NFQ or equivalent; Final grade 2.2 or above) in Counselling & Psychotherapy.*

*Applicants with other relevant honours degrees may, on occasion, be considered. Please contact us separately to discuss eligibility for entry at enquiries@pcicollege.ie.

Applicants who do not meet these criteria may be eligible to enter the course on the basis of prior learning and experience in the area. Students applying on the basis of prior learning must provide evidence of their knowledge, skill and ability to pursue this programme of study. This should be in the form of a career portfolio outlining and demonstrating your career path as is relevant to this course (including transcripts of any relevant results, statements of prior learning based on systematic reflection) and be must be submitted with your application.

Applicants should ideally have access to opportunities for client work in their current role and be able to apply theoretical principles and practice in their current workplace.

Application Process:

Send in Complete Application Form & Deposit (Online / Hard Copy)

Copies of Transcripts (Confirming 2.2 on relevant Level 7 Degree or higher) or Copy of Career Portfolio

and 500-word written statement on why you believe you are suitable for the course.

All suitable candidates will be invited to interview

Places are limited (18). Selection is based on application and interview.

IT:

Students require sufficient IT skills to complete the course. Students can expect to be provided with advice and support concerning any learning difficulties that they may encounter. Any diagnosed learning difficulty, e.g. dyslexia, must be noted on the application.

Learning Difficulties:Students can expect to be provided with advice and support concerning any learning difficulties that they may encounter. Any diagnosed learning difficulty, e.g. dyslexia, must be noted on the application.

Garda Vetting:

Students will be requested to participate in Garda Vetting procedures in relation to programme and accreditation requirements.

Career Path:

Graduates with a certificate in family therapeutic skills at postgraduate level may secure employment in a range of settings across health, social services, education, justice and related disciplines. Students who graduate from the MSc Family Therapeutic Skills will have gained the skills and knowledge to work with families in a therapeutic setting. With an increased emphasis on therapeutic interventions at a family level, career opportunities may include private practice, work with state and voluntary organisations, mental health organisations and integration of the learning with any qualification that students have already achieved.

Please note that this course is a supplementary qualification. On its own, the course won't enable you to work as a counsellor. If you seek a professional qualification as a counsellor, I would advise you to first complete our BSc (Honours) Degree Counselling & Psychotherapy. After completing the degree course, you could then specialise in an area of interest with this MSc course. On the other hand, you could enrol in this course, if eligible, and incorporate what you have learnt into your daily working life.

Validation:

Our university validated programmes are developed, delivered and assessed by PCI College and awarded by and quality assured by Middlesex University. A qualification from Middlesex University London is internationally recognised both within the EU and outside the EU. Brexit negotiations will have no impact on these facts.

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“The course has opened up my mind and my emotions to all aspects of human life both positive and negative. Because of this, I believe I am a much more rounded person & the possibilities are endless. For me the practical application along with the academic understanding really enriches the course...”

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Very well presented but not an overwhelming amount of information. Jean Notaro is an excellent lecturer, great facilitation of the group.

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